Coal

WVDOH said the highway could be closed overnight. The train cars crushed several vehicles at an adjacent towing service.

Before the U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to block a railroad strike, Gov. Jim Justice weighed in on the issue.

If the impasse isn’t resolved by Dec. 5, more than 115,000 railroad employees could walk off the job. The last railroad strike was 30 years ago.

The projects will keep both plants operating past 2028. Appalachian Power had sought approval of the plan last year, but was rejected.

On this West Virginia Morning, we talk with two authors about their new books. One, from folklorist Emily Hilliard, explores visionary folklore and everyday culture in Appalachia. The second book, from West Virginia University’s James Van Nostrand looks at West Virginia’s reluctance to let go of coal.

The plants scheduled for retirement are in 24 states, including West Virginia.

Most electric utilities have pledged to move away from coal. And once coal-dependent states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania have switched from coal to natural gas to make electricity.

Appalachian Power failed to maintain an adequate supply of coal to run its plants this year and last year instead of purchasing more expensive power from the regional market, the office says in a filing.

While coal generated 23 percent of U.S. electricity last year, the agency forecasts the share will be 20 percent this year.

On this West Virginia Morning, there is a 100-year-old building in southern West Virginia that is for sale. But it's not just a building, it is a cultural and personal landmark for many. Jessica Lilly spoke with real estate agent and historian David Sibray about the property.